"But during the old assembly DUP members did take their places alongside republicans on Stormont committees.

"So setting up a special committee on restoring devolution appeals to the government as a potential way of making some dialogue easier."

Ian Paisley rejected Sinn Fein's nomination to be first minister

On Monday, the DUP's Ian Paisley rejected Sinn Fein's nomination to be first minister.

Despite Mr Paisley declining the first minister's post, it is still possible for members to debate policy matters under the assembly's temporary rules, although laws cannot be made.

On 15 May, Northern Ireland's politicians took their seats in the Stormont assembly for the first time since October 2002.

While there is no immediate prospect of a power-sharing executive being formed, the government hopes recalling the politicians will help to pave the way towards a deal in the autumn, by its deadline of 24 November.

Devolved government was suspended over allegations of a republican spy ring. The court case that followed collapsed.

Direct rule from London was restored in October 2002 and has been in place since.